The Aston Martin VH420 is a 4,200 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2010. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 32 — valve architecture, and Bosch ME7.4.5 engine management, delivering 270 kW (367 PS) and 410 Nm of torque. This engine was developed in — house by Aston Martin to power the V8 Vantage and marked the brand's return to proprietary engine design after years of using Ford and Jaguar units.
Fitted exclusively to the first — gener…
Production years 2005–2010 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Aston Martin VH420 is a 4,200 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for sports car performance (2005–2010). It combines DOHC 32-valve architecture with Bosch ME7.4.5 engine management to deliver linear power delivery and high-RPM refinement. Designed to meet Euro 4, it balances everyday usability with spirited driving dynamics.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 4,200 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 75.0 mm | |
Power output | 270 kW (367 PS) @ 7,200 rpm | |
Torque | 410 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch ME7.4.5 port injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted) | |
Oil type | Aston Martin Longlife-05 (SAE 5W-50) | |
Dry weight | 215 kg |
The Aston Martin VH420 was used exclusively in the V8 Vantage platform with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received no platform-specific adaptations across its production run, but from 2008 the facelifted V8 Vantage adopted revised intake manifolds and ECU calibration, creating minor interchange limits. All variants are documented in OEM technical bulletins and ETK parts catalogues.
The VH420's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup in low-speed urban use, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil intervals. Internal Aston Martin field reports from 2012 noted a moderate share of pre-2008 units showing reduced airflow by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records indicate a low but growing number of emissions-related failures in city-driven V8 Vantage models. Short trips and infrequent high-RPM operation increase deposit formation, making oil quality and driving pattern management critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2005–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The VH420 is a robust naturally aspirated V8 with strong build quality. No widespread reliability issues have been reported, though pre-2008 models may develop intake carbon buildup if used primarily for short trips. Regular maintenance, use of RON 95+ fuel, and adherence to 12,000 km oil changes with OEM-specified oil ensure long-term durability.
The most documented issues are intake valve carbon buildup, throttle body actuator wear, and minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets. Coolant leaks from the water pump have been noted in high-mileage units. These are addressed in Aston Martin service information bulletins and field engineering updates.
The VH420 powers the V8 Vantage (2005–2010). It is an in-house Aston Martin design with no non-Aston Martin applications. All models are Euro 4 compliant.
Limited tuning potential exists via ECU remap, typically yielding +20–25 kW on stage 1. Due to its naturally aspirated design, gains are modest compared to turbo engines. Supporting mods like exhaust and intake upgrades offer marginal benefits. Over-tuning risks valve train stress and is not recommended without internal reinforcement.
In the V8 Vantage, combined consumption is ~11.2 L/100km (25.3 mpg UK), with city driving reaching ~14.8 L/100km (19.1 mpg). Highway efficiency improves to ~8.8 L/100km (32.0 mpg). Real-world figures vary significantly with driving style. Expect 19–26 mpg (UK) under mixed conditions.
Yes. The VH420 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact will occur, resulting in severe internal damage. Regular inspection of the chain and tensioner per service schedule is essential to prevent catastrophic failure.
Aston Martin specifies SAE 5W-50 synthetic oil meeting Aston Martin Longlife-05 standards. Oil must be changed every 12,000 km or 12 months. Using correct oil ensures proper high-RPM lubrication and reduces intake carbon formation in this port-injected engine.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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ASTON-MARTIN Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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